These unnecessary features are found in cars, they can put extra burden on the budget.

Nowadays, car manufacturing companies are introducing many advanced and premium features in new vehicles. Features like airbags, ABS, traction control and digital displays have now become common in almost every car. But along with this, there are many such features which are highlighted excessively so that customers consider them essential and buy the car. These extra features increase the budget of the car, even though most customers rarely use them.

Let us know about some such features which have been made more fashionable than necessary.

1. Sunroof: Stylish but unnecessary

Sunroof was earlier only a part of luxury and premium cars, but now it is available even in cars worth Rs 8-10 lakh.

• Problem:
  • In a hot and humid country like India, sunroof is rarely used.
  • When kept open, road dust and noise comes in.
  • Due to strong sunlight and heat, customers prefer to keep it closed.
• Safety Concerns:
  • There is often a fear about passenger safety in cars with sunroof.

2. Ambient lighting: no more than decoration

Ambient lighting is promoted as a premium feature in today’s cars.

• What is its use:
  • Earlier cars had only 1-2 lights, which were sufficient.
  • Now colorful lights are installed in the entire cabin, the actual use of which is negligible.
• Effect on driving:
  • These lights sometimes distract the driver.
  • Instead of being a practical necessity, it has been made merely a part of decoration.

3. Paddle shifters: not necessary for every car

Paddle shifters are commonly used in high-end sports cars or large SUVs.

• Problem:
  • There is no special need for this in vehicles with power of 100 BHP.
  • Its use gets limited due to speed limits on Indian roads.
• Actual Use:
  • Paddle shifters are mainly for thrilling control, which is not relevant in ordinary cars.

4. Keyless Push Button Start: Stylish but unnecessary

This feature is now available in many B-segment hatchbacks and mid-range cars.

• What does it do:
  • Allows you to start and unlock the car without a key.
• Problem:
  • It has no effect on driving habit.
  • This facility is available in almost every car with remote locking feature.
  • It is not wise to spend extra money for this.

5. LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL): Part of the style

Nowadays, LED DRL is being provided in almost every car, even if it is a budget car.

• Basic Objective:
  • Your vehicle should be visible to oncoming vehicles, especially in low light.
• Problem:
  • It is now seen as a premium feature and style statement.
  • Many customers prefer cars with DRL because it looks more stylish than the base variant.